Paired VNS: How the Brain and Pupils Respond in Stroke Patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This single-arm study enrolls 50 adults with implanted VNS devices for post-stroke motor rehabilitation to observe physiologic responses during stimulation. Researchers will record EEG and pupillometry while delivering VNS at different intensities (0.0–1.6 mA) to characterize dose-response relationships. The goal is to identify biomarkers and parameter settings that maximize physiologic response and inform individualized Paired VNS dosing for stroke recovery. The study is conducted at a single center and does not include a randomized control group. Findings may guide personalized stimulation strategies for vascular stroke rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years old and ≤ 80 years old
2. Implanted with VNS device for post-stroke motor rehabilitation
3. Ability to follow simple commands in English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior history of developmental, neurologic, or major psychiatric disorder resulting in functional disability
2. Visual or auditory disorders limiting ability to participate in study procedures
3. Evidence of an uncontrolled seizure disorder
4. Patients for whom EEG leads are contraindicated
5. Pregnancy

Where it's running

• MGH Institute of Health Professions
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Teresa J. Kimberley, PhD, PT — MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Study coordinator: Brain Recovery Lab Manager
• Email: brainrecoverylab@mghihp.edu
• Phone: 617-643-6564

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• NeuroAiD test in mild to moderate ischemic stroke patients

  This study tests whether adding MLC901 (NeuroAiD II) to standard stroke care helps adults who recently had an ischemic stroke recover better than standard care alone.

  Recruiting Phase 4 EVD Pharmacy and Medical Company Limited · Ho Chi Minh City · NCT07828210

• Using IMPROVE to guide carotid revascularisation decisions

  This trial tests whether using the IMPROVE MRI-based score to select patients for carotid revascularisation is as good as standard care based mainly on stenosis degree, among people who have had a recent stroke or TIA due to carotid disease.

  Recruiting Maastricht University Medical Center · Arnhem, Gelderland and 9 other locations · NCT07556887

• High-intensity interval versus moderate continuous exercise for stroke-related muscle loss

  This will test whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MCIT) better helps people 1–6 months after an ischemic stroke who have muscle loss regain muscle mass, strength, walking ability, and quality of life.

  Recruiting Fenerbahce University · Istanbul, Ataşehir · NCT07456956

• Test of adding a very low-dose edoxaban to standard antiplatelet therapy to prevent another stroke in adults 75 and older

  This trial tests whether adding a tiny amount of edoxaban to aspirin or clopidogrel can better prevent a second stroke in people aged 75+ who recently had an ischemic stroke.

  Recruiting Phase 3 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07454707

• HR-MRI–Directed Tirofiban Therapy for Late-Window ICAS-LAA Stroke

  We’re testing whether tirofiban plus dual antiplatelet therapy, guided by high-resolution MRI of the brain’s blood vessels, can help people with intracranial large-artery atherosclerosis strokes that begin more than 24 hours after onset.

  Recruiting Phase 3 Weifang Medical University · Weifang, China/Shandong Province · NCT07379190

• Perfusion-guided endovascular treatment for medium-vessel ischemic stroke

  This trial will test whether using perfusion imaging to guide endovascular treatment helps adults with medium-vessel ischemic stroke (within 24 hours of last-known-well) recover better than standard medical care.

  Recruiting at 6 sites Beijing Tiantan Hospital · Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 5 other locations · NCT07323368

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.